Growing winter herbs

All these herbs can be grown in garden beds or in pots and containers. It’s worth noting that mint is best kept in a pot unless you’re happy for it to spread enthusiastically through your garden.

Rosemary

• Plant in full sun until well established and avoid overwatering, as rosemary prefers to dry out slightly.
• It grows well in both pots and garden beds.
• Apply a controlled-release fertiliser once a year if needed (but avoid overfeeding).
• Drought tolerant once established but will benefit from occasional watering during extended dry periods.
• As well as being a kitchen staple, rosemary can be shaped into a neat, fragrant hedge.

Mint

• Best grown in a pot, as it spreads quickly and can become invasive in garden beds.
• Mint prefers rich, moist soil or a premium potting mix, although it is quite adaptable.
• Keep the soil consistently moist, as it doesn’t tolerate drying out for long.
• Harvest regularly by snipping leaves and stems and remove flower heads to keep the plant productive.
• Growing herbs in water

Thyme

A handy choice for edging, rockeries or pots, and some varieties can grow to around 30 centimetres high with pink or white flowers in spring.

• Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny position. Thyme prefers lighter soils, so avoid over-enriching with too much compost or manure.
• Water while establishing and during dry periods.
• Low maintenance overall, though a light application of liquid fertiliser in spring can support growth.
• Also available in lemon-scented and variegated varieties.

Sage

• If growing in pots, use a premium potting mix.
• In garden beds, improve the soil with compost before planting.
• Plant in a sunny, well-ventilated spot and water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering.
• An annual mulch of compost is usually enough to maintain soil health.
• Sage can develop mildew in overly damp or shaded conditions, so good airflow is important.

Oregano

• Grows well in most well-drained soils or premium potting mix, in full sun to part shade.
• Improve the soil with a small amount of compost before planting.
• Mulch lightly to help suppress weeds and water in well after planting.
• Once established, oregano is quite drought tolerant and only needs watering when the soil has dried out.

Bay tree

A fragrant, low-maintenance shrub with glossy green leaves commonly used in cooking.

Does not require frequent feeding, though a controlled-release fertiliser can be applied annually if the soil is very poor.

• Prefers full sun to part shade and grows well in well-drained soil.
• Can reach several metres in height if left unpruned but can be maintained at around 1–2 metres in pots or with regular trimming.
• Tolerates a range of soil types but performs best in reasonably fertile, well-drained soil.
• Drought tolerant once established.

Herby friends that grow well together